Jobs at Aids Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN)

AIDS Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (APIN) is a non-governmental donor-funded organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, care and support of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. Since 2001, we have worked closely with key stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, university teaching hospitals and other non-governmental organisations to fight the HIV scourge. 

APIN’s goal is not just to contribute to the reduction of the rate of growth of the HIV epidemic in Nigeria, but 

also to the ultimate reversal of its course. Our prevention, treatment, care and support activities currently span forty-two sites in ten states of the Federation and are coordinated from our offices in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan.

The appointment of APIN as a sub-recipient of Global Fund for the implementation of HIV program in Benue and Borno states, through 104 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 30 Comprehensive Health Centers (CHCs) has necessitated the bringing on board of additional personnel.

We are therefore inviting applications from qualified candidates to fill the following positions in our Makurdi and Maiduguri Offices. 

1. Medical Officer (2 nos.) 

 Location: Makurdi and Maiduguri

 Job Functions

The Medical Officers will work closely with the Program Coordinator to activate the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Comprehensive Health Centers (CHCs) and provide a wide range of technical assistance to the centres. The key tasks of the Medical Officers shall include the following:

v  Activation of Primary and Secondary Health Facilities to provide PMTCT, EID and Adult ART services, working with the Government stakeholders and facility owners

v  Provide technical and programmatic support as well as implement high quality care and support activities with primary focus on coordination of the APIN PEPFAR and APIN GF sites

v  Assist in the coordination, implementation and reporting of all components related to clinical management of HIV/AIDS and report to the Program Coordinator

v  Assist in ongoing collaborations with the GON/USG and other partners to train, monitor and evaluate ART, PMTCT, HIV/TB, OVC and other care and support programmes in Nigeria, using international best practices

v  Work closely with other members of the Global Fund team to promote the documentation of best practices and sharing of experiences in ART (Adult, pediatrics) HIV/TB, PMTCT services and Community HIV services

v  Render clinical, technical and program planning assistance to all APIN Global Fund sites

v  Monitor clinical activities at APIN sites and render report on findings, making recommendations as appropriate

Qualifications and Experience

At least a degree in Medicine (MB;BS), with relevant professional certification(s); and at least 2 years work experience in public health programming in an international NGO 

Technical and Behavioural Competencies

The ideal job holder is expected to possess the following competencies: 

v  Good working knowledge of current HIV/AIDS guidelines for prevention, treatment, care & support of adults and children

v  Good knowledge of scale up of HIV services and Site activation for HIV service provision.

v  Good knowledge of reporting of HIV data using National PMM and M/E tools

v  Ability to organize and coordinate training programmes

v  Excellent written and oral communication skills in English

v  Ability to work under pressure and easy adaptability

v  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse person groups.

v  Computer literacy/skills in usage of personal productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing, emailing, etc.)

v  Ability to work in a team

v  Willingness to do a considerable amount of local travel

2. Monitoring & Evaluation Officers (2 nos.)

Location: Makurdi and Maiduguri

Job Functions

The job holder will have responsibility for developing and implementing systems for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the program, including obtaining data from the program centres, evaluating performance vis-à-vis set targets, reporting on achievements and progress made, and recommending appropriate improvement options

v  Provide technical assistance to the program centres in the collection, analysis, reporting and use of output data for program improvement 

v  Collate monthly reports, provide feedbacks to the centres and maintain a functional database

v  Disseminate program output data to program officers, donors and the Federal Government on demand

v  Conduct data quality audit at the program centres to ensure compliance with monitoring and evaluation plans and procedures

v  Develop appropriate data collection tools and procedures for all reporting needs

v  Develop and support the implementation of operational research

v  Monitor the progress of the program towards Country Operating Plan (COP) targets and provide feedback to the program office and the centres

v  Work with program officers and site monitoring and evaluation committees to ensure that program reports and data meet acceptable quality standards and promote their utilization by relevant end users

v  Represent APIN at stakeholder M & E meetings and trainings as necessary

v  Participate in unit/departmental meetings as well as in coordinating training programmes 

v  Perform any other official task as may be assigned by supervisor or Management

Qualifications and Experience

A minimum of first degree in the Health or Social Sciences and at least three (3) years’ experience in the monitoring and evaluation of health programs (preferably in HIV/AIDS program)

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

v  Report writing and oral/written communication skills

v  Computer literacy/skills in usage of personal productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing, emailing, etc.) 

v  Working knowledge of program monitoring and evaluation 

v  Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment

v  Knowledge of statistics & good knowledge of statistical methods 

v  Knowledge of program management

v  Working knowledge of current HIV/AIDS guidelines and standards with respect to monitoring and evaluation

v  Ability to organize and coordinate training programmes

v  Willingness to do a considerable amount of local travel

3. Laboratory Officers (2 nos.)

Location: Makurdi and Maiduguri

Job Functions

Reporting to the Laboratory Infrastructure Coordinator, the job holder will have responsibility for the implementation of programmatic and technical operations of the laboratory program. In specific terms, s/he will be expected to perform the following functions:

v  Provide technical guidance and programmatic support to laboratories at all APIN sites and expertise on all clinical laboratory issues

v  Ensure that laboratory testing policies and procedures comply with current Federal Government regulations, and establish or modify procedures as required to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness of test results

v  Ensure quality test results by enrollment in Proficiency Testing Programs

v  Maintain an active quality assurance program, document annual competency assessment of staff, as well as review testing results to ensure quality and evaluate inter-laboratory quality control reports

v  Take necessary steps to ensure good all-round laboratory practice at all APIN-supported sites

v  Supervise the collection and analysis of laboratory data for program management

v  Provide technical assistance to other implementing partners as may be requested and approved by the Laboratory Coordinator 

v  Represent APIN at all inter-agency, Federal Government of Nigeria and Global Fund Laboratory Working Group meetings

v  Prepare reports and representations as required by Management

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree in any relevant Laboratory discipline, with the professional certification of AIMLT/FIMLT, as well as a minimum of three years post-qualification experience; possession of a master’s degree would be added advantage

Technical and Behavioural Competencies

v  Computer literacy/skills in usage of personal productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing, emailing, etc.)

v  Familiarity with the design, implementation and monitoring of clinical testing activities, especially in an HIV/AIDS environment

v  Ability to work under pressure

v  Good communication and Interpersonal skills

v  Counseling skill

v  Self-motivated and proactive

v  Tactfulness

4. Executive Assistant

Location: Abuja

The growing complexity and dynamics of our program activities have brought about the need to invite applications from qualified candidates, with a view to filling the position of Executive Assistant at our head office in Abuja.

The job holder will have responsibility for providing a wide range of proactive administrative and executive support to the CEO’s Office, including activity planning, documentation, communication and reporting. 

Job Responsibilities

v  Manage the administration of the CEO’s office in order to provide an environment for efficient programming

v  Proactively seek up-to-date knowledge of new developments in programming and brief the CEO adequately

v  Maintain a network of contacts relevant to the organization on behalf of the CEO and facilitate interaction and communication on relevant matters Review documents and make summary notes to the CEO

v  Assist with the preparation of documents for presentation at stakeholder meetings

v  Review and summarize miscellaneous reports and documents, as well as prepare background documents and outgoing mail as necessary 

v  Assist the CEO in prioritizing and tracking timelines and deliverables, as well as in following through on issues in a timely manner 

v  Arrange travel schedule and reservations for executive management as needed 

v  Supervise and arrange appointments, meetings as well as oversee travel arrangements for the CEO

v  Undertake specific projects initiated by the CEO in order to support the programs

v  Handle incoming and outgoing correspondences as referred by the CEO

Qualification and Experience

A good first degree and a minimum of four (4) years’ experience, preferably in the development sector; experience in managing confidential matters and working closely with top management is essential 

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

v  Ability to work independently with little or no supervision

v  Self-managed, with excellent organizational ability 

v  Ability to interact with all cadres of staff 

v  Ability to work under pressure

v  Proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality 

v  Excellent written and verbal communication skills

v  Strong decision-making ability and attention to detail 

v  Familiarity with the public health activities, especially in an HIV/AIDS environment

v  Computer literacy/skills in usage of personal productivity tools (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet browsing, emailing, etc.)

Method of Application

Qualified and interested applicants should click Apply for this job link below. They should also upload their CV, which must contain a suitability statement, highlighting how their knowledge, skills and experience make them suitable for the position, and addressing the person specifications listed above. The statement should not exceed a page and must appear on the first page of the CV, which must be saved in Microsoft Word and as applicant’s name. All applications must be submitted online on or before December 6, 2011. Late applications will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

APIN offers very competitive terms of employment and is an equal opportunity employer. Women who are qualified for the position are therefore encouraged to apply.

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